Practical Leadership Podcast

S2E08 - How to be brave and face your fear - with Monique Carayol - Leadership Coach

Today I'm joined by Monique Carayol, a leadership coach and consultant, who will be discussing the concept of being a brave leader.
Monique starts off by explaining that being a brave leader goes beyond just being fearless. It means practicing authentic, compassionate, and inclusive leadership. Her vision is to create a global movement of brave leaders who empower others to reach their full potential.
One of the key points Monique highlights is the importance of teaching and supporting leaders on their journey. She believes that by challenging negative thoughts and intentionally catastrophising, leaders can overcome their fears and become more courageous in their decision-making.
Monique shares a powerful tool that she uses with her clients - asking the question, "Is it true?" This simple question helps challenge false beliefs and allows leaders to see situations from a different perspective. By questioning the validity of their thoughts, leaders can make more informed and rational decisions.
Understanding the emotions and thoughts of team members is another crucial aspect of being a brave leader. Monique emphasises the value of active listening and creating a safe space for open communication. By truly understanding their team members, leaders can build trust and foster a positive work environment.
Seeking advice from senior leaders is another valuable tip she shares. Monique believes that learning from those who have already walked the path of leadership can provide valuable insights and guidance. By seeking advice and mentorship, leaders can continue to grow and develop their own leadership skills.
If you want to connect with Monique and learn more about her work, you can find her on LinkedIn. She is also a co-founder of the Bravery in the Boardroom movement, which aims to inspire and empower leaders to be brave in their decision-making.
Your New Avenue - https://www.yournewavenue.com/
LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-carayol
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/moniquecarayol
Bravery in the Boardroom - http://www.braveryintheboardroom.com/
Bravery in the Boardroom - Bravery in the Boardroom: Overview | LinkedIn
Bravery in the Boardroom - Bravery in the Boardroom (@BraveryITB) / Twitter
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Building a Movement of Brave Leaders [00:01:01] Monique Carrillo discusses the importance of brave leadership and building a global movement of brave leaders.
Teaching and Supporting Others [00:02:49] Paul and Monique emphasize the role of teaching and supporting others as a way to learn and build a movement of brave leaders.
Dealing with Fear and Doubts [00:07:41] Monique shares strategies for dealing with fear and doubts, including visualizing worst-case scenarios, seeking support, and chunking down challenges.
The power of catastrophizing [00:10:35] Discusses how humans tend to catastrophize situations and make irrational decisions based on false assumptions.
Challenging negative thoughts [00:11:27] Explains the importance of questioning the validity of negative thoughts and not letting them hold you back.
Understanding and connecting with others [00:14:14] Highlights the significance of genuinely asking people how they are feeling and actively listening to understand their perspective in leadership.
Asking for Advice [00:20:51] The speaker discusses the importance of seeking advice from managers and seniors when stepping up to the next level in their career.
The Power of Listening [00:21:22] The speaker emphasizes the value of listening and understanding in a new leadership role, rather than jumping to prove oneself.
Recommended Books [00:22:44] The speaker recommends two books, "Spike" by Renee Carrillo and "The Promise of Giants" by John Amaechi, which provide practical advice on effective leadership based on strengths.

S2E07 - How to upskill and reskill your team - with Nelson Sivalingam

In this great episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nelson, the brilliant CEO and co-founder of How Now. As we delved into his  journey as an entrepreneur, I couldn't help but be inspired by his unwavering determination and passion for creating something extraordinary.
Nelson talks about the significance of finding the perfect individuals who share the same vision and values when it comes to building a business. Drawing parallels between the art of filmmaking and the process of entrepreneurship, he shed light on the power of storytelling and how it can ignite a fire within individuals, propelling them to execute the grand vision.
One aspect that truly resonated with me was Nelson's approach to managing people and cultivating a thriving team. He stressed the importance of setting clear expectations, creating an environment that fosters success, and nurturing a sense of collective effort. It became evident that Nelson's leadership style revolves around empowering his team members, allowing them to flourish and contribute their unique talents to the overall success of the organization.
Furthermore, Nelson enlightened us on the significance of delivering relevant and accessible learning experiences within the workplace. He passionately discussed the utilization of AI technology to personalize learning and track skill development, ensuring that each individual's growth is nurtured and supported. It was refreshing to hear his advocacy for a shift towards an outcome-centric mindset, where incentives are aligned with desired results, ultimately driving the organization towards greater success.
https://www.gethownow.com/team-hownow
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsonsivalingam/ 

S2E06 - How to cure impostor syndrome - with Tajan Renderos leadership coach

In this podcast episode, I had the opportunity to interview Tajan Renderos, a remarkable leadership development coach, author, and trainer. Tajan shared her journey with me, shedding light on her path to becoming a coach and delving into her specialization in leadership development. It was fascinating to hear about the challenges she faced when transitioning from an individual contributor to a people manager, and how she overcame them. One particular topic that resonated with me was her advice on conquering imposter syndrome, which I found valuable.
Towards the end of our interview, Tajan expressed gratitude to her younger self for having the confidence to pursue her interests and embark on this incredible journey. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of self-belief and taking risks in order to achieve our goals.
For those who are interested in connecting with Tajan, she can be found on LinkedIn, where she regularly shares valuable content. Additionally, her website is a treasure trove of resources and insights that can benefit anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills.
See her recent TEDx talk here.
www.tajanrenderos.com
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*The journey to becoming a coach [00:00:57]* Tajan Braithwaite Renderos discusses how she discovered her passion for coaching and the process of formalizing her training.
*Transitioning to people management [00:03:34]*Tajan shares her experience of moving from an individual contributor to a people manager in a public health consulting company.
*Addressing imposter syndrome [00:05:20]*Tajan explains the common struggle of imposter syndrome among first-time managers and provides mechanisms to challenge self-doubt and build confidence.
*The Imposter Phenomenon and Tough Conversations [00:11:07]*Discussion on the imposter phenomenon and the importance of developing skills for having tough conversations.

S2E05 - How to strengthen your strengths - Helen Marshall CLO at Thrive Learning

In this podcast episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming Helen Marshall, Chief Learning Officer at Thrive Learning and thought leader in the learning and development industry. Helen shared her journey to becoming a people leader, highlighting the role that joy plays in effective leadership. Her insights on professional and personal development were insightful, urging people to harness their strengths and actively seek mentorship.
During our chat, we delved into the unique challenges that women often encounter when it comes to embracing their expertise and conquering imposter syndrome. Helen and I both shared personal stories of our own experiences as managers, learning valuable lessons from our mistakes along the way. It was a reminder that growth and development are forever - and that even the most seasoned, well matured, (insert other euphamism for 'old') leaders have room to learn and improve.
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the significance of building connections and fostering a sense of community. Helen emphasized the transformative power of human connection, both in the workplace and in our personal lives. By cultivating meaningful relationships and creating a supportive environment, we can truly thrive and bring out the best in ourselves and those around us.
Overall Helen's wisdom and expertise in the learning and development industry provided a fresh perspective on leadership and personal growth. 
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The journey to becoming a people leader [00:02:23]Helen discusses her natural affinity for leadership and how she always aimed to manage a team.
Developing yourself by leaning into your skills [00:05:50]Helen advises individuals to focus on strengthening their strengths and seeking mentorship or coaching to identify and verify their skills.
The importance of external perspective [00:09:34]Helen emphasizes the value of having a coach or mentor who can provide an outside perspective and help identify blind spots and strengths.
The Bad Taste of Self-Promotion [00:10:52]Discussion on the historical perception of self-promotion and the gender differences in how it is perceived.
Learning from Mistakes in Giving Feedback [00:13:14]Speaker shares a personal experience of giving feedback in the wrong way and the lessons learned from it.
Women In: Creating a Community [00:18:37]Introduction to the Women In platform, its purpose of connecting women in various sectors, and the growth of its community through a WhatsApp group.
The Transition from Teaching to Freelancing [00:20:45]Discusses the increasing number of teachers transitioning to freelancing due to challenges in education.
The Power of Human Connection [00:21:44]Highlights the importance of building real human connections and the impact it can have on individuals.
Recommendation: The Resilience Handbook [00:23:46]Mentions a book called "The Resilience Handbook" and expresses excitement about reading it again.

S2E04 - How to live with no regrets with Garin Hess CEO of Consensus

In the latest episode of the Practical Leadership Podcast I had the pleasure of interviewing Garin Hess, the founder and CEO of Consensus.
Garin shared some profound insights during our conversation. One of the standout moments was when he quoted, "Too many men tiptoe through life trying to make it safely to death. I do not want to do that. I am grateful, regardless of how it turned out, that I was willing to take those risks."
It's a good approach to life and leadership, a bit of risk-taking and pushing boundaries.
Garin also reflected on his early leadership experiences, saying, "I used to be very self-conscious and afraid of leadership, and yet I was constantly being put in leadership positions. I eventually learned that for me, at least, what made the most sense was to stop thinking about and trying to improve on the deficiencies and just focus on my strengths."
It's a powerful reminder for all leaders to focus on their strengths and those of your team rather than obsessing over their weaknesses.
Finally, Garin shared a thought-provoking perspective on the role of a leader. He said, "You have to be willing to be looked at as a jerk, even though you're not trying to be. You don't want to act like one. But some people will think you are just because you're asking them to do hard things they don't want to do. And that's not being a jerk. That's being a leader."
It's sometimes challenging but necessary in the role of a leader in pushing your team towards growth and success.
 
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 *Self-awareness and focusing on strengths [00:01:21]*Garin Hess discusses his journey of self-awareness and the importance of focusing on strengths rather than obsessing over deficiencies.
*Toxic deficiencies and the impact on leadership [00:03:26]*The conversation explores the concept of toxic deficiencies in leaders and how they can both hinder and contribute to success.
*The difference between being nice and being good [00:05:29]*The discussion delves into the idea that being nice is not necessarily synonymous with being a good leader, and the potential drawbacks of prioritizing likability over achieving the mission.
*The importance of joy in work [00:10:09]*Discussion on the difference between fun and joy in the workplace, and the quest for growth and challenges.
*The consequences of not letting go [00:12:09]*The speaker shares a personal experience of waiting too long to let go of an underperforming employee and the negative impact it had on the team.
*Maximizing strengths over weaknesses [00:15:03]*The importance of focusing on strengths and maximizing them, rather than trying to improve weaknesses, using the example of Michael Jordan's basketball skills.
*The importance of taking risks [00:21:03]*Garin reflects on the quote that inspired him to take risks in life and how it changed the course of his career.
*Regret minimization framework [00:21:43]*The concept of minimizing regrets by looking back from a future perspective and making choices to live our best lives.
*Imagining our death to reduce regret [00:23:14]*Garin discusses the idea of imagining our death as a way to appreciate and safeguard the things we have in life, preventing future regrets.

S2E03 - How to survive the future of work - with Barry Voster

Barry Foster, an expert in leadership, technology, and the future of work, discusses various topics in this podcast episode.
He addresses the changing landscape of work due to technology advancements and emphasises the importance of reskilling and upskilling to adapt to the evolving demands of the workforce. Barry also talks about the impact of COVID-19 on the workplace and the need for organisations to embrace digital and hybrid working.
He emphasises the role of emotions in decision-making and criticises the lack of emotional empathy in organisations. Barry encourages continuous learning and challenges the notion that only young people can learn and innovate.
He concludes by discussing the value of non-traditional career paths, the joy of reading, and the importance of recognising the potential of individuals of all ages.
TIMESTAMPS
The Fear Mongering of Consultants and Media [00:07:01]Discussion on how consultants and media provoke fear about the future of work to continue their careers and generate attention.
The Speed of Change and Impact on Jobs [00:07:52]Exploration of the rapid pace of technological change and its potential impact on various industries and job roles.
Rediscovering Wisdom in the Knowledge Age [00:10:18]Consideration of the opportunity to gain wisdom and insight in the face of technological advancements and the potential for new careers and industries.
The importance of emotional decision-making [00:11:23]Discussion on how humans make decisions based on emotions rather than rationality, and the role of technology in understanding this.
Rationalization and lack of empathy in organizations [00:12:33]Exploration of why modern organizations have moved away from recognizing and addressing the irrationality of human behavior, and the impact of efficiency and lack of emotional connection.
The need for continuous learning and resilience [00:16:44]Importance of individuals continuously learning and adapting to fast-changing times, and the role of governments and organizations in facilitating learning opportunities.
The Future of Work [00:22:08]Discussion on the changing nature of work, the value of trades, and the importance of learning new skills.
The Importance of Reading [00:25:10]The benefits of reading, including staying informed, expanding neural pathways, and the impact of fiction on creativity.
Terry Pratchett and Satire [00:26:12]Appreciation for Terry Pratchett's books, their satirical nature, and their reflection of modern life.

S2E02 - How to express your genius - with Myles Downey - leader performance coach & author

In this great episode I had the pleasure of chatting with Miles Downey, a top-notch c-suite leadership coach, author, and consultant. We delved into the fascinating world of coaching, exploring the similarities and differences between coaching leaders in business and coaching in sports.
One of my key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of self-reflection for leaders. Miles emphasised that taking the time to reflect on one's own actions, strengths, and areas for improvement is crucial for personal and professional growth. 
We also touched upon the lack of training for new managers, which is  the perennial problem. Miles shared his insights on this issue, highlighting the need for organisations to invest in proper training and support for new managers. After all, we can't expect them to hit the ground running without a bit of guidance?
Miles has quite the knack for helping people understand who they are as leaders, building up their willpower, and developing a mindset for success. And he's a firm believer in having an insatiable desire for learning. According to Miles, continuous learning is the key to staying ahead in this ever-evolving world of ours.
https://mylesdowney.com/myles-downey/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mylesdowney/ 
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Introduction [00:00:05]The host introduces the Practical Leadership Podcast and welcomes Miles Downey as a guest.
Similarities and Differences between Coaching Leaders in Business and Coaches in Sports [00:01:38]The speakers discuss the similarities and differences between coaching leaders in business and coaching coaches in sports.
Importance of Self-Reflection for Leaders [00:05:39]The speakers discuss the importance of self-reflection for leaders and Miles Downey explains his process for helping leaders understand who they are.
Understanding Identity [00:08:18]Miles Downey shares a story about a client who had a profound realization about teaching and understanding that each person needs to be taught different things. Once you have clarity of identity, you can ask yourself what that looks like and develop strategies, tactics, and behaviors.
Enabling Genius [00:12:57]Miles Downey talks about his book, Enabling Genius, which is based on his experience of coaching people to use their own resources, imagination, and intelligence to make progress and gain confidence in themselves. He explains that the book is about understanding one's unique individual genius, which is the embodiment of one's potential.
Coaching on the Tennis Court [00:10:24]Miles Downey describes a program he runs where he takes people onto a tennis court and gives them principles about how people learn. He explains that coaching is not about teaching or instructing but about helping people learn for themselves. He emphasizes the importance of paying attention to people and putting in place a little bit of structure to help them learn.
Building Willpower [00:15:54]Miles Downey discusses the importance of building willpower and how it can be increased through multiple elements, such as clear goals and invoking personal identity.
Mindset for Success [00:16:46]Downey explains how building a mindset for success is crucial and can be developed through continuous learning and experimentation.
Importance of Learning [00:17:23]The speakers discuss the lack of training for new managers and the importance of learning as a skill that is not taught in traditional education systems. They also touch on the benefits of simple mental techniques, such as meditation, for improving clarity and focus.
The Importance of Self-Reflection [00:23:36]Miles Downey talks about the importance of clear, axiomatic, and useful information for everyday people and the need for self-reflection for leaders.
Thanking the Young Miles [00:24:03]Miles Downey talks about his past and how his naivety and innocence led him to where he is today.

S2E01 - How to avoid getting old - with Dominique Ben Dahaou & Ellen Kocher

Only 8 % of companies include age in their Diversity initiatives.
It's time to WUSUT - Wake Up Shake Up Thrive
People over 50 are washed up, past it, done. 
People under 50 should pay attention, because what's happening, will happen to them. (The alternative to getting older is rather more dramatic.
We discuss the 3 big scenarios for (everyone?) the over 50s:
You have an itch to do something more / new / different
You're on your way out of your company (by your own choice or not)
You're getting ready for retirement / or a major life change
How can 5 generations work together in a work place?
Did you know, entrepreneurs over 50 are 5 x more likely to succeed?
Why?
They are:
Richer
Better networked
More resilient
More experienced
More ready to take risks - they have what they need already.
Ellen Kocher and Dominique Ben Dahaou join me to put the world to rights.
https://www.wakeupshakeupthrive.com/
Entrepreneur Article: https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/senior-preneurs-why-50-entrepreneurs-are-stars-with-5-points
Resource Hub: https://www.wakeupshakeupthrive.com/resources/:
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The itch to do something different [00:10:22] Helping the 50 plus generation make a change and reevaluate their current job situation.
Employees in their 50s needing outplacement support [00:11:15] Discussion on assisting employees in their 50s who are being let go from their jobs.
Helping employees clarify their true brand at work [00:12:17] Explaining how they are helping employees understand their unique skills, talents, and strengths and how to effectively showcase them in the workplace.
Challenging biases about older employees in the workforce [00:20:08] Addressing the societal bias against older employees and the need to support them emotionally and help them rebuild their self-esteem after losing their jobs.
The importance of older workers [00:24:14] Highlighting the value of experienced employees and the need for companies to retain and utilize their skills and knowledge.
The aging workforce and the need for workforce planning [00:26:29] Exploring the demographic challenges of an aging population and the potential shortage of skilled workers in the future.
Preparing for retirement [00:29:38] the shift in mindset around retirement and exploring opportunities beyond traditional hobbies and leisure activities.

Season 2 Trailer - Practical Leadership Podcast

We've take a bit of a break over summer - but now, roaring back to life with some outstanding individuals sharing their hard-won knowledge and experience with us.
Let's find out what's coming up in the Practical Leadership Podcast:
18 Sept - Dominique & Ellen - talk about WUSUT - how to age gracefully over 50 (Wake up, shake up, Thrive!)
25 Sept - Myles - on expressing your inner genius!
2 Oct - Barry - helps us survive the future of work
9 Oct - Garin - living life with no regrets
16 Oct - Helen - strengthening your strengths - learning well
23 Oct - Tajan - cures impostor syndrome
30 Oct - Nelson - reskilling & upskilling your team
6 Nov - Monique - Being brave and facing your fears
13 Nov - Tom - shaping culture through teamwork

46. How to have Presence in a hybrid world - with Mike Pino co-founder Talented Velocity

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Mike Pino, a futurologist, about the future of work and the challenges that new managers face in today's business environment. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:
- We talked about how technology is changing the job market and what that means for the future of work.
- Mike stressed the importance of insight and wisdom in the knowledge age, and how these qualities can help leaders navigate uncertainty and change.
- We also discussed the challenges of communication in a hybrid work environment, and how leaders can adapt to ensure their teams stay connected and engaged.
- Throughout our conversation, we emphasized the importance of effective communication, social sensitivity, and continuous learning in leadership.
- Mike shared some great insights on how testing and learning can help leaders deal with uncertainty and volatility, and how this skill can increase social sensitivity and improve communication.
Overall, it was a fantastic conversation, and I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it!
Find Mike here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepino/ 
TIMESTAMPS
[00:01:08] The Future of Work | Discussion on the impact of technology on jobs and the future of work.
[00:03:50] Insight and Wisdom in the Knowledge Age | Importance of insight and wisdom in the knowledge age, and the value of applied knowledge towards wisdom.
[00:08:24] Challenges for New Managers | The challenges faced by new managers in the current business environment.
[00:08:37] New Manager Challenges | Mike discusses the challenges faced by new managers in the current business environment, including economic uncertainty, remote work policies, and managing equitably.
[00:13:29] Digital Mindset for Managers | Mike introduces the concept of a digital mindset for managers, including the importance of presence, immediacy, and trust. He also discusses the use of strategic ambiguity in communication.
[00:16:38] Building Connection through Communication | Mike provides an example of how to use communication to build connection and trust, emphasizing the importance of tone and context in remote work environments. Paul points out a flaw in the concept.
[00:17:29] New Manager Challenges | The challenges faced by new managers in the current business environment, including unintentional ambiguity and the importance of clear communication.
[00:17:38] Communication Skills for Future Leaders | The importance of being able to articulate oneself succinctly, clearly, and in a way that is actionable, and how this skill will separate different kinds of leaders over time.
[00:20:56] Leadership in the Knowledge Age | The changing nature of leadership in the knowledge age, including the need to ask tougher questions, work through complexity, and learn faster, as well as the importance of understanding one's place in building the customer experience and delivering on the impact for the business.
[00:26:01] Asking Tough Questions | The speakers discuss the importance of asking tough questions and how to frame them properly to get the desired answer.
[00:28:23] Social Sensitivity in Leadership | The speakers talk about the importance of social sensitivity in leadership, including understanding power dynamics and creating moments for team performance.
[00:30:50] Recommended Books | Mike shares four books he is currently reading, including "Mix Signals" and "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder." Paul also shares some of his favorite books, including "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and "Think and Grow Rich."
[00:33:35] Abductive Reasoning | Mike Pino discusses the importance of abductive reasoning in the knowledge age, and how it is becoming more critical for us to experiment and learn fast to act on something.
[00:35:52] Applied Knowledge and Wisdom | Paul and Mike Pino talk about how applied knowledge eventually becomes wisdom, and how wisdom is not just pure logic, but a very human and learned thing.
[00:36:58] Finding Mike Pino | Paul asks Mike Pino how people can find him and how he can help them, and Mike Pino shares his LinkedIn and Twitter handles, as well as his fascination with amphibians.

44. How to support young people coming into the workforce - Sutton Trust Director of Innovation - Binda Patel

Binda Patel is the Director of Innovation at the Sutton Trust and the Sutton Trust that champions social mobility through different programs, research and influencing policy, news and opinion. 
She was in the front line when covid sent the world to hell.
She is also a trustee at Arts Emergency, a charity that supports and mentors young people interested in arts and the creative sector. 
Both are important in Binda's eyes and both are linked to her passion for social mobility. 
She has worked with the Diana Award, which gave her with opportunities to grow and develop her skill set. She is also a big advocate for young people who are often not given the platform to share their voices and feelings. 
We discus the impact of covid on the social mobility of young people, and how SuttonTrust did some amazing stuff when it all went to hell. 
I get a little annoyed (!) that our response to covid was to close down all the youth groups, universities, schools, and play parks, which, besides being unnecessary even at the time, has hindered our kids from developing. 
Binda and her team at the Sutton Trust are doing amazing things. 
Be sure to visit them and Binda here:
https://www.suttontrust.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bindabhudia/

45. How to raise a virtual pet for work life harmony - Snr Director Rev Ops Shantanu Shekhar at Gong

In this episode, we dive into a fascinating discussion with Shantanu Shekhar, an experienced leader in revenue operations, who shares his insights on how to drive success as a manager. 
Shantanu's three-pillar approach, focusing on people, process, and purpose, creates a balanced and effective management style that fosters growth, accountability, and belonging within his teams. 
Shantanu dives deep into the importance of Process, Purpose, and People:
🎯 Process: Streamline your team's operations for agility and efficiency
🎯 Purpose: Motivate your team by aligning individual goals with the company's vision
🎯 People: Nurture talent, foster growth, and build a supportive work environment
Tune in to learn about his strategies for weekly stand-ups, providing ongoing feedback, and creating a safe space for both professional and personal growth. Plus, hear some valuable advice on having tough conversations and embracing radical candor in the workplace. 
Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with actionable tips for aspiring and experienced managers alike!
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Find Shantanu here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantanushekhar/
When you're ready to boost your new manager productivity with me: https://practical-leadership.academy

43. How to find yourself - with Kene Erike Neurodivergent Leadership Developer

We talk about a lot. I've never met a neurodivergent leadership developer before. 
In this great episode, Kene Erike and I discuss the significance of the number 33, mental maturity, goal-setting, and the importance of having a purpose. 
We cover the need for introspection and self-awareness, as well as the value of creating systems and habits that help achieve goals. 
Kene shares his work with the neurodiverse community, helping them maximise their potential and overcome challenges. 
He also talks about his upcoming audiobook, which focuses on building stronger relationships and fostering cooperation.
Don't miss it.
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You can and should find Kene here:
https://keneerike.com/
https://justtaptheglass.com/
Insta: @k.e.consulting

42. How to make the most of flexible work - with CEO & Co-founder of Flexa, Molly Johnson-Jones

In my latest episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Molly Johnson-Jones, CEO of Flexa, about how to truly embrace and make the most out of flexible working. Flexa is a company that specializes in helping organizations create genuinely flexible working environments, and Molly has some fantastic insights to share.
Molly and I discuss the importance of setting clear expectations and frameworks to help employees thrive in a flexible environment. We delve into the common misconceptions about flexible working and the importance of transparency in job descriptions. We also touch on how crucial it is for senior leadership to role model flexibility and lead with trust.
Are you curious about how to improve your organisation's flexible working culture or want to learn more about the benefits of offering genuine flexibility to your team? Then this episode is perfect for you! Molly's enthusiasm for flexible working is infectious, and her insights are invaluable for any leader looking to create a more adaptable and resilient workforce.
So, grab your headphones and join us for an engaging and informative conversation that will have you rethinking your approach to flexible working. Don't miss out on this chance to learn from a true expert in the field! Listen now to the Practical Leadership Podcast's latest episode with Molly Johnson-Jones.You can find Molly here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/
https://flexa.careers/
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Perform better as a new manager - or learn to get promoted for the first time - visit : https://practical-leadership.academy

41. How to unlock high-performance health - with Dr. Pat Boulogne

Dr. Pat - why am I fat and lazy?
Believe it or not, Dr. Pat has an answer...
Dr. Pat Boulogne is a doctor of functional medicine, CEO of Healthteam Network and a "coach with a mentor's heart".
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Pat Boulogne, a lifestyle medicine expert and chiropractor, who shared her insights on the importance of maintaining a high-performance lifestyle to achieve better health and success. Dr. Pat talked about the five pillars of health: positive mental attitude, diet, exercise, sleep, and posture, and how addressing our weakest link can lead to significant improvements in our overall well-being.
Some key takeaways from our conversation include:
• The importance of nurturing ourselves before we can nurture others, and the role of mindset in achieving our goals
• How daily habits and simple exercises can improve our posture and core strength, leading to reduced pain and stiffness
• Her upcoming collaborative book, "Deck of Cards," where Dr. Pat shares her tips for improving business and health.
 
Dr Pat says:
"If you don't nurture yourself, you can't nurture somebody else."
"Sometimes hiring a coach with a mentor's heart help you know where exactly to spend your time, energy, and money."
"I just love to see people thrive. I get a lot of joy from seeing people succeed and win."
Dr. Pat emphasized the value of persistence and consistency in achieving a high-performance lifestyle. She believes that with the right guidance and a strong foundation, individuals can reach their greatest potential in less time. 
I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and look forward to the release of her book, "Deck of Cards." 
If you'd like to learn more about Dr. Pat Boulogne and her work, you can connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, or visit her website at www.Healthteamnetwork.com.
 

40. How to build trust and safety with your team - Jimmy Burroughes leadership developer

Jimmy Burroughes, a former British Army captain turned Business Leadership Management coach.
Jimmy shared his journey from his first management role during the Gulf War to becoming a coach, and we bondedn on the importance of focusing on the basics and building on solid ground. (A house built on sand...)
He described the leadership training at Sandhurst, which is all about building trust, consensus, communication, and connection. He says that a leader's job is to seek ideas and input and gain subject matter expertise from those around them, but that the responsibility to make the decision ultimately rests with the leader.
We also discussed the importance of building trust in the workplace, starting with safety, both physical and psychological. Jimmy shared his seven-point plan for building trust, which starts with safety, followed by authenticity, listening, embracing different perspectives, challenging assumptions, staying focused, and following through.
We wrapped up the conversation with five practical takeaways from the podcast, including focusing on the basics, being humble, communicating and connecting, seeking input, and taking responsibility.
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed making it.
Come with me and let's dive in and drink from Jimmy's fountain of hard-earned wisdom.
You can find Jimmy here:
jimmyburroughes.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmyburroughes/
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When you're ready for that promotion - join my new manager masterclass here:
https://practical-leadership.academy 

39. How to help people get out of their comfort zone - with Michiel Schipperus CEO Sana Commerce

From part time student to CEO. 
Learn how CEO of Sana Commerce Michiel Schipperus made his move and how he hires for success.
When the future minister of finance of the Netherlands offered Michiel his first management job as a part time student, he thought he was joking. 
He wasn't.
23 years later, Michiel is on a well-earned sabbatical, mulling over who to chose as the next CEO of B2B eCommerce success story Sana Commerce.
When you're hiring anyone - make the hiring process it as close to real as possible, he recommends:
Find out if they have a learning mindset - give candidates a real business case to work with. 
Find a trusted person to judge their suitability for a management role - and believe them!
Join me for a very interesting conversation with a very experienced practitioner of the arts of leadership and management.
You can find Michiel here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michielschipperus/
 
 

38. How to be profitable for the sake of your people with Josh Novelle Director People & Insights at Warner Music

Josh Novelle is an analytical people person. And a former long-haired Metal fan. And a welder. (Different type of metal...)
He's also a pragmatic business leader who annoys the heck out of people by asking "why". A lot. 
We talk about 
Being a custodian of talent
Tours of duty
People unit economics
The impossibility of objective decision making
and more.
Join me for a fascinating tour of the inside of a fascinating person and learn how he spots the warning signs of dysfunction in organisations and why he's grateful for his teenage laziness.
Find Josh here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshnovelle/ 
I will help you to improve the performance of your new managers: https://practical-leadership.academy  

37. How to build relationships in a day with Faris Aranki CEO Shiageto Consulting

Teaching taught him to be prepared for anything! (Has he met my kids?)
Knowing you don't have to know the answer helped him become a better manager.
Faris Aranki, CEO of Shiageto consulting is an advocate of Pre-Mortems (a great technique for avoiding disaster by thinking through risks in advance).
He also suggests that you can build a relationship faster than you might think. There are a few things he does to force the relationship to evolve at speed:
Find something - anything - in common
Find joint tasks to work on (force this if you're the boss)
Set people up to learn together by making the tasks more challenging than they might expect
As a learner by nature - Faris also suggests making whatever you absorb stick by either: Doing it again and again, Speaking about it to an audience, or Writing it down multiple times.
You can find Faris here:
https://www.shiageto.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/farisaranki/
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Raise the potential and productivity of your new managers with my New Manager coaching: https://practical-leadership.academy

36. How to promote from inside with Flo Broderick CMO at Carto

Flo Broderick likes to promote from inside, although she says it is a difficult balance to make.
After all - that's where she came from. 
Do you hire just the right experience from outside, or look at the talent you already have, recognise that it's the choice with the fewest unknowns and help them to grow into the role?
We also talk about why you should over communicate. Again, and again. How you should go to work to be respected, not to be liked and why Slack is the new canteen.
When the mike was off, she came up with one more gem: Do the work no one else wants to do.
And - when you're younger, use your holidays wisely. The list of different things Flo did is wild!
Find Flo here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/flobroderick/ 
When you're ready - help your new managers be more successful and productive: https://practical-leadership.academy